HOPE IPSWICH SUNDAY SERVICE LAUNCH By Evelyn Sam

On the 1st August 2010, 43 people gathered to celebrate the long awaited launchof Hope Church Ipswich. From the humble beginnings of a four person cell group, we became the latest addition to the HOPE family. It was a sweet and joyful victory as Hope Church Ipswich became a reality. Our God is good.

The weekly ministering to our Friday life groups is now reaping the fruit of the harvest; we were bursting at the seams of Rayon’s living room and we were barely contained in Room 113 at the University of Queensland’s Ipswich Campus. In all, at least 20 salvations have taken place since we started Ipswich life groups in 2008.

Our hearts skipped a few beats when Pastor Wilson addressed the team and the new centre on that Sunday morning. It was a true “we need to celebrate!” moment. For surely when God calls, it will come to pass when we respond. What was a response of faith is now harvesting the fruits of reality.

At the launch, Pastor Wilson shared about the mustard seed which grows into the mighty mustard tree which is a refuge to smaller and weaker creatures. It is a small, unremarkable seed that harbours a massive potential that belies its unimpressive size. The message was timely and spoke deeply into our being.

Currently a majority of university students with a smattering of young professionals form the core of Hope Church Ipswich. It seems an insurmountable task: winning the area of Ipswich, home of ex-prisoners, those from low socio-economic backgrounds, single parent families and juvenile delinquents. Hope Church Ipswich is a baby reaching out to tough soil.

So when Pastor Wilson shared and reminded us that we carry the DNA of God’s ultimate intent, His Church which holds the Answer, it gave courage to our hearts. We received the message with faith; to believe in the potential of this young centre because God’s Spirit is infused in it. Because He is with us, we are able. A congregation of 43 people is just a glimpse. Isaiah 61 is our call. A Church that can reach the nations is when God is alive. Hope Church Ipswich lives and breathes because of that.

May this Church bring the harvest as we faithfully sow, harvest and reap on our part. All Honour and Glory to the Name – Jesus Christ!